[misha]

Parma vs AC Milan

Serie A 2007/08 - Week 23

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Stadio Tardini

Time : 17.00 (UK); 18:00 (IT)

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Milan hope to continue their remarkable comeback for a top four finish by taking on a Parma side in crisis.

The Ducali must do without January signing Cristiano Lucarelli, who limped off with a thigh problem during their disappointing 1-1 draw at Cagliari, as well as the suspended Bernardo Corradi and Francesco Parravicini. This means Igor Budan will be looking for his first goal of the season in only his fourth appearance.

Andrea Gasbarroni and Ferdinand Coly are also injury doubts for a Parma outfit without a win in six. They have dropped down to 17th place and Coach Domenico Di Carlo realises he has few chances left to keep hold of his job.

Yet beating Milan is a tall order indeed, as Carlo Ancelotti’s men have won six of their last seven games and have the strongest away record in Serie A with seven victories, a draw and just three defeats. Their record at the Tardini is also good, undefeated since 2003 with a draw and three straight wins.

It is always an emotional experience for Alberto Gilardino to face his former club, especially at a time when he is forced to reconsider his place in the Milan hierarchy. Alexandre Pato and Alberto Paloschi represent the new generation, while Ronaldo, Kaka and Pippo Inzaghi are still generally preferred to the misfiring Italian.

Pato and Ronaldo are currently struggling with injury, though Kaka should be back in the squad after a knee problem. Some squad rotation is required due to Wednesday’s rescheduled encounter with Livorno, put back from December because of the Club World Cup commitments, not to mention the upcoming Champions League clash with Arsenal. Another former Parma star, Daniele Bonera, should get a starting berth as well. It is crunch time for Ancelotti and he’ll need all his players on top of their game.

Keep an eye on: Alberto Gilardino (Milan) – The former Tardini hero returns to his old stomping ground prepared to make a point. History favours him, as this season all seven Serie A goals were scored away from home.

Last season: Parma 0-2 Milan

Form guide: Parma (L L D L D) Milan (L W W W W)

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Parma (probable): Bucci; Coly, Falcone, Couto, Castellini; Dessena, Morrone, Cigarini, Pisanu; Reginaldo, Budan

Milan (probable): Kalac; Cafu, Bonera, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Brocchi, Gourcuff, Ambrosini; Seedorf; Gilardino, Inzaghi

Last game before the clash with Arsenal. The win is important, but we must rest our key players.

[Nova]

Grande nesta !